The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially directed telecom operators to deactivate the phone lines of subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024.
Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, represented by Reuben Mouka, the Director of Public Affairs, made this announcement during the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, February 28. Maida emphasized that this directive is crucial for national security.
Maida stated, “To this effect, the commission has mandated all telecommunication operators to deactivate the phone lines of subscribers who have not linked their NINs to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024. The commission is committed to ensuring service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for all consumers, who rely on ICT/Telecoms for personal and business activities.”
Furthermore, Maida highlighted the NCC’s dedication to promoting economic growth through the development of local content and addressing consumer challenges. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction and maintaining high standards of service delivery.
The NCC has implemented measures to protect consumer interests, including establishing a robust regulatory framework to promote transparency, quality of service, and fair competition. Additionally, the commission has set up channels for consumer redress, ensuring timely and efficient dispute resolution.
Moreover, the NCC initiated the use of Harmonised Short Codes (HSC) for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers, aiming to improve the Quality of Experience (QoE) across all mobile networks. This initiative allows consumers to use the same codes to access services across all networks.
In addition to this, the NCC has launched a campaign on National Identification Number-Subscriber Identification Module (NIN-SIM) linkage. This process involves connecting the NIN to the phone number to authenticate and protect identity. Subscribers can link their NIN to their SIM by submitting their NIN to their service provider or enrolling at National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment centers.
